Quinn hits uptown in primary rush

Quinn llega al norte en la fiebre de las primarias

Season of Choice

By Debralee Santos

They’ve stuffed your mailbox with bright, large notes, and called you repeatedly at home. They’ve sent you emails, “Friended” you on Facebook, and tweeted you. They have popped up, every day, on the television and the radio to remind you that they care. They have looked to greet you on the way to work at the subway, or on the way home, sometimes both in the same day. They’ve found you at the diner where you stop in for coffee. Repeatedly. They want to shake your hand. Got a baby? Look for kisses. They really want you. Whether running for the three city-wide offices open this year (Mayor, Public Advocate, or City Comptroller), or seeking to represent you in the City Council, candidates for elected office throughout New York have sought for months to get your attention, and your vote. The Manhattan Times and The Bronx Free Press have followed candidates as they visit our neighborhoods in the past year. We have attended debates and forums, and have captured them at rallies and listed their endorsements. And we have listened in on as they spoke with voters and residents. Now, Primary Day, Tues., Sept. 10th is here. In a city where four million voters are registered, less than 800,000 Democrats and less than 80,000 Republicans are expected to turn out. Whatever the issue or concern that is most important to you and your family, make a decision. Send your own message back to those who sought you out. Vote.

Quinn hits uptown in primary push

“Vote for Christine Quinn on Tuesday,” said the mayoral candidate. Photo: QPHOTONYC

As the days dwindle before the New York City election primaries on Sept. 10, mayoral candidates are making their final push to inspire voters.

On Sun., Sept. 8, Democratic candidate Christine Quinn took to the streets, literally – riding in a motorcade through the streets of Washington Heights and Inwood.

Standing atop a flatbed truck as it chugged along Broadway, the City Council Speaker waved enthusiastically at passersby as dance and merengue music blared from large speakers.

The truck was tailed by at least a dozen cars filled with supporters, honking horns and waving signs that boasted slogans like “Latinos Unidos Con Quinn.”

Curious onlookers roaming the sidewalks stopped in their tracks as the motorcade drove by.

Some may have simply been drawn to the music, but many waved back at Quinn or cheered and gave a thumbs-up when they realized who the truck’s passengers were.

A caravan made its way along Northern Manhattan. Photo: QPHOTONYC

Quinn was flanked by former Assemblymember and City Councilmember Guillermo Linares, as well as State Senator Gustavo Rivera, who are backing Quinn in the mayoral race.

Northern Manhattan neighborhoods such as Inwood, Washington Heights and Harlem will be among the most hotly contested in today’s primary election.

Quinn, along with the other leading Democratic candidates, Bill de Blasio and Bill Thompson, has recently spent a considerable amount of time campaigning uptown, trying to energize supporters to hit the polls on Sept. 10.

Quinn’s message to the people of Inwood and Washington Heights?

“Simply, to vote for Christine Quinn on Tuesday,” she said with a smile.

The motorcade trek was designed to engage two key voter groups – Latinos and female voters.

“She has a track record of getting things done,” said NOW-NYS President Zenaida Méndez (first on left), with members of the Dominican Women’s Coalition. Photo: Gregg McQueen

“I’m 100% with Quinn,” said Zenaida Méndez of the National Organization for Women’s New York State chapter, as she fastened campaign signs to her car prior to the motorcade. “She has a track record of getting things done.”

Though Quinn’s opponents have sometimes portrayed her as divisive, that doesn’t faze her supporters.

“Ultimately, I don’t need someone in City Hall that I agree with on everything,” remarked Senator Rivera. “I need a mayor who can lead, and she can do that better than anyone.”

Beginning at 188th Street and Amsterdam, the motorcade rode down to 168th Street before turning uptown and continuing along Broadway towards Dyckman Street.

Her uptown jaunt was part of a busy afternoon for Quinn – the second of three such motorcades planned for that same day in various neighborhoods throughout the city.

The procession of cars ended its journey at 10th and Sherman Avenues.

“One more caravan after this,” Quinn remarked, as she climbed into another vehicle to be whisked away to start her next motorcade, as her supporters remained behind clutching signs and shouting support.